Global Joint Coalition Of Ministers To Defeat ISIS

Coalition Of Ministers To Defeat ISIS

Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Mao and US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo's invitation, the Global Joint Coallation of Foreign Ministers meeting to defeat ISISISIS small group, and determination to continue the fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, and creating conditions for the permanent defeat of the terrorist group through a comprehensive multilateral effort, that remains the coalition's sole objective. The Ministers stressed the protection of civilians, and confirmed that the UN Security Council resolutions should be upheld under all circumstances, along with international law, international humanitarian law protection of citizens and human rights. The ministers, committed to strengthening cooperation in all coalition efforts, to ensure that ISIS and its allies are unable to reorganize any regional enclaves and continue to threaten people. Together we stand united in our outrage at the atrocities of ISIS, and our determination to end this global threat. The Ministers spoke deeply to address on the fight against ISIS in Iraq. thanked them for their support for the coalition, and deeply respected extraordinary efforts and huge sacrifices made by Iraq for ISIS. While ISIS no longer controls the region and nearly eight million people are freed from its control in Iraq and Syria, the threat remains and calls for stronger vigilance and coordinated action is required. This includes allocating sufficient resources to sustain the efforts of coalition and legitimate partner forces fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, maintain stabilization support in liberated areas to protect our collective security interests. a new government in Baghdad look forward to engaging in a fruitful dialogue with the Government of Iraq, on our joint effort to maintain pressure on ISIS. While fully respecting Iraq's sovereignty and aiming to strengthen their security, the coalition operates in Iraq at the request of the Government of Iraq. We will continue our close cooperation and support with the Government of Iraq to optimize the operational efficiency and coordination of collective efforts to defeat ISIS. We welcome the Ministry of NATO Mission Iraq. the COVID-19 crisis has impact on the coalition's activities and operations, the ministers have committed to continue working with our allied forces, supporting the efforts to eliminate ISIS In Syria, the coalition stands with the Syrian people in support of a permanent political settlement according to UN Security Council Resolution 2254. The coalition must be vigilant against the threat of terrorism. continues to act together against any threat by ISIS. Expressed concern over the emerging threat in West Africa. The coalition plans for a meeting focused on capacity building in West Africa and the Sahel. Ministers agreed on the urgent need to pursue the exchange of information on known members of ISIS, by multilateral law enforcement channels such as Interpol for border security purposes, and enhancing strategic communications detained by foreign terrorist fighters, the challenge posed by family members living in Syria and Iraq are committed to advancing current effective accountability mechanisms in close coordination with the countries of origin. According to international law, to treat ISIS people humanely at all times. The ministers further acknowledged that the situation is a matter of grave concern for ISIS detainees and family members in northeast Syria, and recognized the importance of finding a comprehensive approach to this serious problem. This massive effort is necessary to achieve the complete and permanent defeat of ISIS worldwide. The Global Joint Coalition Of Ministers to defeat ISIS. political, military and law enforcement efforts by Ministers also confirmed their intention to hold, the next full ministerial meeting of the Global Joint Coalition Of Ministers to defeat ISIS  can be in Italy as soon as the circumstances allow.

United States National Guard Respond To COVID-19 Pandemic

National Guard Respond To COVID-19 Pandemic In US

Providing continued federal support for the the all US states Governors, to use of the National Guard to respond the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, and to facilitate economic reform, maintains United States policy to promote closer cooperation and mutual aid between the federal government and states and territories, as the threat posed by the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 particularly in the United States. In this situation the National Guard Increased economic activity and recovery in all areas of the United States, where the threat posed by COVID-19 has been substantially till date, the National Guard forces operating across the country to provide the significant assistance for the governors work within their respective states, and territories to address the needs of those populations in particular the effects of COVID-19 sensitive areas in the United States, including those provided in nursing homes. Living facilities, and other long-term care or different settings. This particularly needs to focus efforts to protect vulnerable populations from the threat posed by COVID-19. Therefore to continue provide maximum assistance to the states and territories in the United States. as they decide their respective  necessary responses to address the situation in relation to the threat posed by COVID-19 in America, where the National Guard facilitate the United States economic recovery. taking action 100 percent Federal Cost Share for States and National Guard Forces Use. and Authorized for each titled Providing Federal Assistance to Governors, Using the National Guard for Response to Coronavirus COVID-19, the response to COVID-19 would expand each of the titles for governors to use the National Guard,  to provide continued federal aid and facilitate economic reform, comply with health safety protocols recommended by the Center for the Prevention and Prevention of the Department of Health and Human Services, or the management agency of the Department of Homeland Security, other health safeguards agreed to by the Department of Defense and the Federal Emergency.

United States Technology And Intellectual Property Concern

United States Technology And Intellectual Property Stealing

It is true that the People's Republic of China has targeted to steal very sensitive technologies from the United States and other advanced economies for many years, and these technologies have been used to modernize China's military to protect People's Republic of China Security. In particular, China has collaborated with a small, large number of academics and researchers in the United States and other countries, where they are engaged in those activities, Who have taken full advantage of our open academic and research environment. For sensitive techniques. And they have done so without revealing in these small number of cases of their relationship to China's security apparatus, and thus whether they are actually stealing technology or merely reversing it, A channel to take this technology back to China for nefarious purposes. The United States would like to point out that as many others in the region, we find that China has become increasingly more aggressive in recent years. United States would say that the technology sector is one of these, if not the most important competition in these arenas, where there is increasing competition between China and the United States of America and other rule-of-laws on the one hand, and democratic countries on the other. Is a piece with the rest of us trying to push aside and strengthen the PRC's increasingly aggressive and weak strategy, while at the same time, to a large extent, maintaining our two academic and research institutions As possible as an open flow of people between. The particular program we are targeting here the moderator pointed out "military-civilian fusion". And we would like to talk it over to my colleague, the senior State Department official in turn, especially which again is the narrow focus of this policy. The PRC wants to leverage this access to divert some of China's talented undergraduate students, and researchers to sensitive technologies knowledge and intellectual property divert again for security purposes, American institutions have to lead. the United States government is concerned about the serious risk that this strategy poses from the standpoint of national security, but also to maintain the integrity of open academic and collaborative research institutions. This is a security risk for the United States, and for advanced technology-producing countries around the world. Our expectations for this policy are to prevent the PRC from acquiring sensitive, military research and technology in the United States of America's educational and research institutions. We also hope that this will contribute to a better environment in which the United States And Chinese scholars can be free from the crisis created by the efforts of the PRC. And to reiterate the point that Senior State Department official said earlier that this is a narrow approach that we are trying to take. It only affects a small subgroup of the breadth of Chinese students who come that we benefit from coming to study them in the United States. In this respect it is getting worse, well, it is definitely not getting better. the FBI has two specific cases about the United States based scholars, who are stuck in the kind of problem we are trying to address here, which is preventing IP from stealing for military endings Uses sensitive research diversion. There is no indication that we have seen that the PRC government is slowing down its efforts to acquire these technologies. Here we have specifically focused on research and education, but this also applies with commercial transactions and regular export control of shipping goods overseas.

US President Statement On Protests In United States

US President Statement On Violence In United States

My first and highest duty as the United States President is to defend our great country and the American people. I took an oath to uphold the laws of our nation, and that is exactly what I will do. All the Americans were rightly revolted on George Floyd's ruthless death. My administration is fully committed that, to George and his family, justice will be served. He would not have died in vain. But we cannot allow the religious and peaceful protesters to come out of the angry crowd. In this protest the biggest victims of the riots are peace loving American citizens in our communities, and as their president, I will fight to keep them safe. I will fight to protect you. But in recent times, our country has been gripped by professional anarchists, violent mobs, arson, robbers, criminals, rioters, and others. Many state and local governments have failed to take necessary actions to protect their residence. Innocent people have been beaten up severely, such as a young man in Dallas, Texas, who was left dead on the street, or a woman in upstate New York attacked by dangerous thugs. Small business owners fulfilled their dreams Have seen destruction The best faces of New York have been hit by bricks. Brave nurses, who have struggled with the coronavirus, are afraid to leave their homes. A police station has been set ablaze. Here in the nation's capital, the Lincoln Memorial and the World War Two Memorial have been torn down. One of our most historic churches was set on fire. The African Americans enforcement hero was shot and killed by a federal officer in California. These are not peaceful protests. These are acts of domestic terror. The destruction of innocent lives and the spread of innocent blood is a crime for humanity and a crime against God. America needs creation, not destruction. This is our mission, and we will succeed. One hundred percent, we will succeed. Our country always wins. That is why I am taking immediate presidential action to stop violence in America and restore safety and security. We are mobilizing The United States federal resources civil and military to prevent riot and looting, end destruction and arson, and protect the rights of law abiding Americans, including their Second Amendment rights. Therefore, the following measures are coming into effect immediately, First we are ending the riots and anarchy that pervades our country. We will end it now. every governor in the United States recomended to deploy the National Guard in sufficient numbers to stop the violence protest. Mayors and governors should establish an overwhelming law enforcement presence until the violence is pacified. If a city or state refuses to take the necessary actions to protect the lives and property of its residents, I deploy the United States Army I will solve the problem for them soon. US President also taking decisive action to protect our great capital Washington, DC from the violence protest. What happened in Washington, DC last night was a total disgraceful. Due to these violence in the United States, I am sending thousands and thousands of armed soldiers, military personnel and law enforcement officers to prevent riots, looting, vandalism, assaults and property destruction. We are warning everyone our seven pm curfew will be strictly enforced. In the United States who threaten innocent people and property will be arrested, detained, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I want the organizers of this terror to live on the notice that, you will be sentenced to a longer sentence and longer in prison punishment according to law and order. We have a beautiful law And America is founded on the rule of law. It is the foundation of our prosperity, our freedom and our way of life. US President Said that, we all know where there is no law, there is no opportunity. In which place there is no justice, there is no freedom. Where there is no security, there is no future. US President appeals to American people, We should never be angry or hateful.

United States President Message And Wishes On Coptic Day

US President Message On Coptic Day

The United States President send best wishes for the peaceful, and blessed celebration of millions of Global Coptic Days in the United States and around the world. Last year marked the global annual Coptic Day the Middle East's largest Christian group's contribution to the world, An opportunity to mark heritage and ongoing challenges for the United States this year, as we celebrate the second annual Global Coptic Day, we recognize the important role faith, prayer and service play in our lives, especially as we face the challenges posed by the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. We join people of faith from all corners of the world, so that God can lay hands on those fighting the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic to heal them and comfort, those who are mourning the loss of a friend or loved ones by the Coronavirus COVID-19 epidemic. Today is also a time for us to acknowledge the importance of religious freedom, and to reaffirm our commitment to promote and defend this basic principle of a free society. Sadly many people around the world face persecution because of their faith. In September of 2019, during a speech at the United Nations, the United States President called on world leaders to take action to end all attacks against civilians by state, and non act state actors and simply worship according to their beliefs . the US President challenged them to work to prevent violence and threats of violence against our holy places. No one anywhere in the world should be afraid for their safety in the house of worship. On the United States President instruction, the State Department held its second Ministerial Advance Religious Freedom Conference last summer, where diplomats and stakeholders of government and civil society along with Religious leaders worldwide found, and identified concrete and meaningful ways to eliminate religious persecution and discrimination. And greater respect for freedom of religion and belief for all. We should ensure that we are using every tool at our disposal to ensure that every man, woman and child feels safe and secure to worship according to their conscience and beliefs. no matter where they are Stay. The United States people hope that the observance of today is full of prayer and joy, and celebrates those people with a renewed sense of purpose and faith. God bless to all of you.

On SpaceX Launch Mission United States President Remarks

NASA SpaceX Mission Launch Program

The United States President said in his remarks on SpaceX Mission 2 Launch . It's incredible power of technology. I'm proud of all the people at NASA. all the people who worked together with public private partnership. When you see SpaceX Launch scene, it's incredible. The power and danger of that machine no matter how you are. when you hear that sound, and you hear all that roar then you can think how dangerous it is. When you feel the shake and we are far away, but you feel the shake over here. it is so beautiful, so amazing. A beautiful sight and truly beautiful ship. So they have a long way to go, but that is a very dangerous part right there. This is a big part of the danger, which you have just seen. So we are very honored to be here. Well, I did not go into it. but I talk to him all the time.  They are one of our great minds. We like big brains. And Elon has done a fantastic job. But it was a beautiful sight to see, and I hope you all enjoyed it. Thanks a lot. A great honor to have you here God bless you. Nothing else you can say. May god bless you. They have great courage. More credit, A wonderful honor. You know, four years ago, this place essentially closed. The space program was over. The shuttle program was dead. And now we are leading the world again. And this is just the beginning. They are going to Mars. They are going to the moon, but they are going to the moon to go to Mars. This is a platform. Jim would you say that this is a correct statement. I want to congratulate you. I would like to congratulate the Vice President, congratulations to you. Thank you for everything you have done for the SpaceX Mission 2 Launch program. We appreciate you being here. Marco is here somewhere. And we appreciate everyone for being here, but it was a tremendous sight. I didn't know anything when you know, I said, "Will you hear anything?" Because we are far enough away. And then, suddenly you hear SpaceX Mission 2 Launch roar, and it's incredible power. You won't see that machine, as big as that it looks smaller than here it can have that kind of power, that kind of sound or that vibration. But this is something really special. I think SpaceX Mission 2 Launch is such a big inspiration for the United States. Our country is doing well. It's going to do fantastically well. We think next year will be one of the best years financially. I felt that staying here today is so important. And I think any of you would say that it was an inspiration to see what we just saw talent, what it adds to your economy is incredible, isn't it? this is incredible. And real talent, and this is just the beginning. We have many more things. It is a lot of jobs. It's a lot of technology. You know, we have space force now. And thank you very much for being here. We appreciate SpaceX Mission 2 Launch very much. You know, one of the things we do made a space force.

Updates On United States Passport Services For Americans

United States Passport Services Updates

The United States Department of State updates on the United States Passport Services for the American people. In March 2020, the Department significantly reduced passport operations throughout the United States to protect our workforce and our customers, from Coronavirus COVID-19 spread. We have temporarily suspended early passport processing and restricted service at the United States passport agencies and centers for life or death emergencies. To keep everyone safe and to maintain the highest standards of security and privacy protection for customers, we have suspended all passport services but the most urgent cases. In order to process passport applications we are required to review sensitive documents, such as birth certificates and other personal records and physically print mail to applicants and return cards. This means that our employees are not able to process passport applications from home For customers, who have already submitted applications your documents are safe for further processing. As global conditions continue to evolve, and states and health officials adapt their operational recommendations, the department Looking forward to resume regular passport processing while protecting the safety of both our staff and our customers. Our gradual reestablishment follows the country's Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines based on science and public health. the Department of State Diplomacy plans are constantly evaluating conditions at each of our locations, and will resume operations with public health data for that area and in accordance with local government response measures. Each passport agency and center will open on a different date depending on local conditions. In phase one Limited employees return to work, allowing us to resume limited processing of previously received applications. Applications will be processed on a first out basis. First of all we will offer services for customers with life or death emergencies. Clients should wear cloth face coverings in all common areas, including our lobbies, and observe strict social distance. we will advise customers to wait for new or renewal applications to be submitted as delays will continue. In phase two Most employees will return to work, and start with the oldest applications on a first out basis. But we will process the applications. Staff and customers should cover the face in all common areas, including our lobby, and continue to observe social distance. In phase three  All remaining passport service workers return to work. Employees and customers can wear cloth coverings in common areas, and we will encourage social distinctions. We also plan to resume processing early in this phase. We will continue to prioritize life-or-death emergency applications in all three phases of our reopening process. we will update customers seeking more information about their pending passport applications. The pasdport department's goal is to provide the best passport customer service to the American people, while maintaining a safe workplace. On a general basis, we process over 18 million passports in a year. In light of the continuing demand for passports, we can continue to experience delays to customers, even after they begin operating regularly at individual locations. We are committed to working as hard to process applications as soon as possible, as soon as it is safe for us to do so. Safety and welfare of American citizens is a top priority of the State Department. We encourage Americans to check our travel information for travelers. We will update our advice to American travelers, when it is appropriate to do so, in close coordination with the CDC and other partner agencies.

Online Social Media Platform Censorship In United States

United States Online Social Media Platform Censorship

According to the US President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, it is as follows that Free speech is the basis of American democracy. Our founding fathers protected this sacred right with the First Amendment in the United States Constitution. The freedom to express and debate ideas is the foundation of all our fundamental rights as a free people In the United States. we have a limited number of online platforms for Americans to access on the Internet for express freedom of speech. When this practice is used by UN American and anti democracy activities at large on social media. Then social media companies agree with the censor's opinion to stop the anti democracy activities exercise a dangerous power. The growth of online platforms in recent years is about applying, the first amendment ideals to modern communications technology. Raises important questions by many Americans who follow the news and keep in touch with friends and family by share their views on current events through social media and other online platforms. As a result, these platforms function in many ways equal to the public in the 21st century. The power of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube has shaped the interpretation of public programs. The United States President have made clear commitment to free and open debate on the Internet. Such debate is as important in our universities, in our town halls and in our homes as it is online. This is essential for maintaining democracy in our country. Online platforms engage in selective censorship that is hurting our national discourse. Tens of Americans report online flagging content as inappropriate, among other disturbing behaviors, even though it does not violate any of the stated terms of service, Making undisclosed and vague changes in company policies have the effect of influencing certain approaches, And removing content and the entire account with no warning, no argument, and no recourse. Twitter now chooses to put a warning label on some tweets, clearly reflecting political bias. Twitter, never put such a label on another politician's tweet. As recently as last week, At the same time online platforms are censoring inconsistent, irrational and baseless justifications for Americans. Banning good speech while, many online platforms are promoting aggression and disinformation spread by foreign governments such as China. Recently An United States software company launched a new search engine for the Chinese Communist Party, in this search engine the searches for human rights blacklisted, and it hides data which is unfavorable to the Chinese Communist Party, and tracked users through surveillance. This search engine also helps in the establishment of research partnerships for the China that provide direct benefits to the Chinese military. Many software companies in the United States paid by the Chinese government in the from of advertisements, that spread misinformation about the massive imprisonment of China's religious minorities, enabling these abuses of human rights by the online social media platform. They have also increased China's publicity abroad, including allowing Chinese government officials to use their social media platforms to spread misinformation about the origins of the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, and to reduce pro democracy protests in Hong Kong. The United States as a Democratic and religious freedom nation, we must promote and protect different perspectives in today's digital communications environment, where all Americans must have a voice. We must focused on transparency and accountability from online social media platforms, and encourage standards and tools to protect and preserve the democracy, integrity and openness expression and freedom for the Americans.

Reducing Cost Of Insulin For Seniors In The United States

Reducing Cost Of Insulin For Seniors In The USA

The United States President Donald Trump and his administration are reducing out of pocket insulin and Healthcare costs for Americans seniors. In the United States Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced that seniors will have lower out of pocket insulin costs for the 2021 year. Numerous Medicare and Haelthcare Advantage plans have applied to offer Around the United States, the enhanced Part D plans include a comprehensive set of insulin at a maximum of $ 35 COP for each month's insulin supply to every senior. Many seniors with access to Medicare will be provided, began covering new insulin delivery devices, including mechanical and electronic insulin pumps that are not covered under this plan. Reducing the cost of insulin from outside will provide many Medicare beneficiaries, who rely on one or more common forms of insulin with plan options that will provide significant relief. Care and Cooperation for Senators, President Trump Healthcare plans for Our Nation's Senior Citizens. They are working to improve the accessibility, quality, and affordability of healthcare and medicines. The United States President Trump is committed to ensuring that, older Americans receiving the best quality healthcare at affordable prices Last year, the President Signed an executive order to empower Americans seniors with more options, and access to healthcare services and improve Medicare's fiscal stability. This order will eliminate unnecessary barriers and combat fraud, waste and abuse in Medicare, in the program we will improve and maximize independence for patients, and will provide average basic premium for Medicare Part D prescription drugs. This healthcare plan is the lowest in 7 years and has fallen by 13.5 percent since 2017, giving beneficiaries  in premium costs $ 1.9 Billion has been saved. The premium for Medicare Advantage has also fallen by 28 percent since 2017, which is a 13-years low. President Trump is committed to lowering prescription drug prices for all Americans, and has repeatedly called Calls for action. Bypassing the Coronavirus COVID-19 epidemic, President Trump is making sure that our nation's citizens are protected, and have access to health related resources during the coronoavirus COVID-19 epidemic. President Trump calls again opening guidelines, including directing states to take additional measures to protect Americans seniors citizens. The Trump administration makes it easier for the United States seniors to test for coronavirus, while ensuring that they are not a burden on the costs of these services. Early in the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak, President Trump undertook to dramatically expand Medicare tele health coverage, to ensuring that seniors citizens could access healthcare services with safety from their own homes. The United States President has taken steps to improve the safety of the United States nursing homes, including fulfill the creation of the Coronavirus COVID-19 Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes. The United States President administration has addressed the needs of older Americans during crisis. Announced about $ 1 billion to including food delivered at home in healthcare services and more. Federal agencies are studying the effects of coronavirus COVID-19 on vulnerable populations. and working for improving the accountability of the United States healthcare system.

Freedom Online Coalition Human Rights Protection On Internet

Freedom Online Coalition Human Rights Protection Support On Internet

The Freedom Online Coalition (FOC)) is a group of 31 countries committed to the promotion and protection of human rights, and fundamental freedoms as announced in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). We believe that human rights and fundamental freedoms that individuals have offline should also be protected online. We are committed to working together to support Internet freedom for individuals worldwide including expression, association, peaceful assembly, as well as privacy online. Due to Coronavirus COVID-19 of people facing the global pandemic including the negative economic effects associated with it, and recognizes government efforts to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus by implementing emergency measures. At the same time more activities are taking place online than ever before, and we are concerned with the human rights implications of some measures, practices and digital applications initiated by governments in response to the Coronavirus COVID-19 crisis. This includes the use of arbitrary or illegal surveillance practices partial or complete by Internet, Online content regulation and censorship that are incompatible with human rights law. Further we are concerned with the possible short-term and long-term effects of these actions on freedom of expression, Effective measures for lack of accountability and human rights abuses, and The shortage poses a threat of low confidence in public officials, which may reduce the effectiveness of any future public response. Human rights violations and abuses also increase the risk of discrimination, and insecurely harming members of already marginalized and vulnerable communities, including women and girls and other individuals who may face multiple and interdisciplinary forms of discrimination. Online human rights violations and abuses are a direct challenge to the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC)'s goal of protecting and promoting human rights free safe, reliable on Internet, Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) disinfection online and relates to the spread of activity, which seeks to take advantage of the COVID-19 epidemic with lethal intent. This includes the dissemination of manipulation and disintegration of information to weaken the order based on international rules, Access to factual and accurate information through an independent  media and online helps people take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus, save lives and protect vulnerable population groups. We reiterate that Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) commitments and principles outlined in the founding documents are highly valued. We further emphasize that countries should ensure that measures implemented to address the Coronavirus COVID-19 epidemic in compliance with international human rights law. The measures that are necessary for the legitimate protection of public health should also be limited, including limiting these measures in time of Coronavirus COVID-19 resolves the crisis. Any interference with privacy and other relevant rights and freedoms must also conform to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It is true that the restrictions apply to online or offline activity. We welcome the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC)us on Coronavirus COVID-19 issue by the UN Secretary General, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the UN Special Representatives Experts. In response to the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, we will support governments worldwide to refuse to adopt or enforce laws and policies that, violate state obligations under international human rights law, which may negatively affect human rights enjoyment, or that are improperly online and offline, promote an enabling environment for online expression and access to information to protect privacy, and avoid content restrictions that violate international human rights law, violence on the Internet through digital technologies to take appropriate measures against threats, attacks against individuals and groups, including human rights defenders. To end Internet shutdowns immediately, and take steps to bridge digital devices to online services. Ensure the widest possible reach to ensure that, any action taken in accordance with Coronavirus COVID-19 emergency, take measures or laws is subject to effective transparency and accountability and removed when the epidemic passes.